Getting the starter out of a 1983 300D is a real PITA. I changed the one in my 240D last year and it took about 30 minutes. I fought this one for 4 hours and I finally got the old one out, but am waiting for the new one from fastlane.

I used ken300d's method where you use about 2 or 3 feet of extensions, a universal joint, and the 10 mm allen socket. I quickly broke two universal joints trying to get the top bolt out. I ended up using an impact wrench universal joint, an 18 inch breaker bar with a 2 foot pipe on it, and my 200 lbs of fat arse to break it loose. At one point, I even tried heating the bolt head but gave that up when the old oil around the bellhousing started to catch fire.

I've read on this board where people recommend used loctite (red, I think) to keep the starter bolts from coming loose. I'm a bit worried about doing that considering how hard it was to get this one out. If I ever have to take this one out again, I don't want it to be this hard.

Any suggestions?

Joe